Scammed for more than $800

Section:

News

Post Date:

05/03/2014, 02:13

A local resident is out more than $800 after getting sucked into the "Microsoft Scam" last week.

The South-Bruce OPP issued another reminder to the public to be wary of unsolicited phone calls after a Municipality of Kincardine resident was taken for $832. The person received a telephone call notifying them of a problem with their computer, one that could be fixed remotely, for a fee. Police urge people to take your computer to a reputable repair service if you suspect a problem. Don't trust a stranger on the phone.

Tech-savvy con artists can create very convincing scams with the use of computers and laser printers. Fraudsters will commonly use the name of a legitimate company to gain your trust. Fraud continues to be a multi-billion dollar per year enterprise that won't end until scammers stop making money. There is no magic to preventing fraud. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always take the time to verify the legitimacy of an unsolicited claim. Whether received by phone, fax, email or at the front door, unsolicited means you didn't ask for it.

Anybody interested in learning more about fraud can call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or check online at www.antifraudcentre.ca. If you have any information that could assist police with this fraud, call 1-888-310-1122 or if you wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).